Ilish Er Tel Jhol ((Hilsa in a Light Gravy)
Ilish tel jhol. Hilsa in a runny gravy scented with kalonji and turmeric. Spiked with green chillies. Finished with a generous drizzle of mustard oil.
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Bangladeshi, Bengali
- 4 pieces Ilish or hilsa
- 6-7 green chilies slit
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp nigella seeds or kalonji
- 4 tbsp mustard oil
- salt to taste
Clean and wash the fish. Marinate with salt and turmeric.
Add a little water to the remaining turmeric and red chili powder to make a gorgeous golden yellow wet paste. Keep aside.
Heat 2 tbsps of oil in a pan, fry the fish till light brown. Keep aside.
Add the rest of the oil in the same pan, add the kalonji and green chilies. Once they stop spluttering, add the turmeric-red chili paste. Sprinkle in the salt. Cook for a minute or two. Now add 3/4 cup of warm water and let it simmer for 5 odd minutes on medium heat.
Now add the fried fish and cook for another 5 minutes on low heat.
Serve hot with steamed rice.